If you’ve been hit with a blocked drain, repeated leaks, or rising water bills, chances are your pipes need serious attention. In Sydney, many homes are ageing, meaning underground plumbing is often at risk. Knowing whether to choose pipe relining or pipe replacement is a big decision.

Both methods solve damaged or broken pipe problems, but they work very differently. Picking the right one can mean thousands saved, less time off work, and no disruption to your yard or driveway.

For fast answers from licensed plumbers who’ve seen it all, explore full-service options from Sewer Surgeon to get started.

What is Pipe Relining?

Pipe relining repairs existing pipes without digging them out. A soft liner soaked in resin is pushed inside the old pipe. It’s then inflated, hardens in place, and forms a new, smooth pipe inside the damaged one.

It’s like giving your old plumbing system a strong inner shell, without disturbing anything on the surface.

What Makes Pipe Relining a Popular Option?

There are a few major reasons Sydney homeowners are leaning toward relining when facing sewer and stormwater issues.

Cost and Time

Relining skips the expensive digging process. No jackhammering, no landscaping damage. That alone cuts costs. Jobs that once took days now finish in hours.

Example: In Ryde, a homeowner saved over $3,000 by choosing relining after CCTV showed a crack under the driveway. No digging, no re-paving.

Little to No Disruption

No access issues. No need to rip up floors or cut into concrete. If the pipe can be reached through a small opening or a maintenance point, relining is possible.

For townhouses, apartments, or homes with mature trees and tiling, relining avoids landscape damage or strata issues.

Long-Term Strength

The epoxy material used in relining hardens into a solid, load-bearing liner. It resists corrosion, tree roots, and future cracks. Most liners are backed by warranties of 25 to 50 years.

When is Pipe Relining Not Enough?

Relining can’t solve everything. Some pipes are just too far gone.

Collapsed or Flattened Pipes

If a pipe has caved in completely, there’s no hollow space left to push the liner through. In these cases, digging it up is the only safe option.

Wrong Slope or Alignment

If a pipe has sunk or was installed on a bad gradient, relining doesn’t fix the angle. Water may still sit or back up, even with a brand-new liner.

Severe Tree Root Invasion

In cases where roots have burst through multiple joints or crushed pipe walls, replacement may be more reliable in the long term.

What is Pipe Replacement?

Pipe replacement means removing the old pipe entirely and installing a new one. This often requires excavation of soil, concrete, or tiled areas.

It’s invasive, but sometimes necessary. In Sydney’s older suburbs, clay and metal pipes may be brittle, rusted, or misaligned beyond repair.

Advantages of Full Pipe Replacement

Full pipe replacement offers a permanent solution to severe plumbing issues that temporary fixes or partial repairs can't resolve.

Clean Slate Install

Everything is brand-new. The plumber can align pipes perfectly, use modern materials like PVC or PEX, and ensure future access points are built in.

Permanent Fix

Some problems don’t respond to quick patches. Collapses, large displacements, or multiple breaks along a line are solved with a complete re-do.

Ideal for Renovations

If you’re already rebuilding bathrooms or kitchens, it makes sense to install all-new piping now to avoid problems later.

The Downside of Pipe Replacement

Pipe replacement has a few challenges.

• More Expensive: Digging, labour, materials, and surface restoration add up fast. On average, costs can be 30% to 50% higher than relining.
  
  
• Time Consuming: Larger jobs can run for 3–5 days, depending on site access, council permits, and reinstatement work.
  
  
• Disruption: Front yards, driveways, gardens, even flooring may need to be removed and later rebuilt.
  
  

Example: In Inner West Sydney, a heritage-listed home needed replacement of old sewer lines. Because of sandstone and permit delays, the process took eight working days.

Pipe Relining vs Pipe Replacement: Cost and Value Comparison

Factor

Pipe Relining

Pipe Replacement

Average Cost (per m)

$450–$700

$600–$1000

Time to Complete

4–8 hours

2–5 days

Surface Impact

Minimal to none

High

Lifespan

25–50 years

50+ years (with quality materials)

Site Access Needed

One small entry point

Full trench access to affected section

Materials Used

Epoxy liner inside pipe

PVC, PEX or copper pipe

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How to Choose the Right Solution for Your Sydney Property

A qualified plumber will always start with a CCTV drain inspection. This helps confirm the condition of the pipe and checks whether it’s safe to reline or must be replaced.

Some key questions to ask:

• Where is the damage located, under the slab, driveway, or garden?
  
  
• Is the pipe broken, cracked, or completely collapsed?
  
  
• Will future repairs be easier if the pipe is replaced now?
  
  
• Is the cost difference between relining and replacement justifiable?
  
  

For transparent advice and on-the-spot video inspection reports, Sewer Surgeon’s plumbing team offers quick turnarounds across Sydney.

Real Sydney Case Studies: Pipe Relining Wins

Case Study: Homeowner in Hurstville

A family had a tree-root-blocked sewer backing up monthly. After multiple jetting services, a CCTV showed cracks. The reline team installed a 7-metre epoxy liner in one day. Total cost: $3,300. A replacement would've cost over $7,000 due to concrete cutting.

Case Study: Investment Property in Marrickville

An investor noticed high water bills. Leak detection showed an old galvanised water line with pinhole corrosion under the lawn. Since it wasn’t collapsed, it was relined in 6 hours. No tenants displaced. Saved 2 days of labour and $1,800 in surface work.

What Sydney Homeowners Should Know

Pipe relining is ideal for most residential sewer and stormwater systems, especially where:

• The pipe is under hardscaped areas
  
  
• Minor to moderate damage is present
  
  
• The house is on a tight block with access limits
  
  
• Disruption must be minimal (e.g., tenanted homes)
  
  

Pipe replacement suits more complex or older issues:

• Collapsed or missing pipe sections
  
  
• Incorrect fall levels or historic install issues
  
  
• Heavy tree root damage with joint movement
  
  
• Combined with larger renovation projects
  
  

Want the Right Answer? It Starts with a Call

Before you dig or commit to costly excavation, get a qualified inspection. One visit could reveal you don’t need to tear anything up at all.

Whether it's pipe relining or pipe replacement, your fix should match your actual plumbing needs, not just a guess.

Get a clear plan, expert advice, and fair pricing by visiting Sewer Surgeon. To book a consultation or inspection, head straight to the contact page.

FAQs

1. Is pipe relining safe for old homes?

Yes, relining works well for older properties where pipe layout is still intact. It avoids damage to foundations or heritage features.

2. How long does pipe relining last?

Most liners are rated to last 25 to 50 years, depending on resin type and curing method. They also resist tree root regrowth.

3. What does pipe replacement cost in Sydney?

Full pipe replacement ranges from $2,500 to $15,000+, depending on pipe length, location, and materials.

4. Can all pipes be relined?

No. Pipes that have collapsed, shifted, or lost structural shape often need to be replaced for safe flow and compliance.

5. How do I know what I need?

A CCTV pipe inspection is the first step. It will show the full condition, damage type, and whether relining is possible.